Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[lookeyloo]

10 minutes ago, Jeeves said:

I'm also very happy with my Costco hearing aids and the whole experience of getting them. Mine are more than three years old and I'm overdue for a hearing test. I also paid $1799 but mine aren't bluetooth; I'm sure the technology has improved since I got mine. I think they expect the aids to last three or four years so I won't be surprised if mine cr*p out one of these days. 

My health care is (and has for years) been through a major HMO and I'm very pleased with it overall. One of my benefits has been hearing tests by certified audiologists which I started getting a dozen years ago. They showed some hearing loss but not until three years ago was it enough to where they recommended hearing aids. By then I was on Medicare (I chose to stay with my HMO via Medicare advantage). Even with a benefit of a few hundred bucks per ear, the cost of getting aids from my HMO was nearly $4000. 

So I went to Costco. Also tested by a certified audiologist, who (like the ones at my HMO) doesn't work on sales commissions. The test was just as thorough as the HMO, and the results the same. The hearing aids cost $1799. Yep. For the pair. I had a problem with one a few months in, it was replaced, easy peasy. I think I'd be nuts to go anywhere else for hearing tests and hearing aids if I have the choice of Costco.

We have a friend who is an audiology doctor who works for the VA and he says the VA and Costco are the leading providers  of hearing aids. He came with me to my appointments (he also did this for his father) and was very impressed. They use the same software - logos different haha. It makes such a difference. If you can swing it the Bluetooth are great. Don’t need EarPods!!  

[PikaScrewChu]

14 hours ago, iwantcookies said:

The mask definitely makes it hard to understand what people are saying. Muffles the voice for sure.

I have a speech impediment and a very thick accent from self isolating for so long. I end up doing a lot of self check-out and mobile app orders because people can't hear or understand what I'm saying.

They are developing clear masks. I have a few but the easiest ones to wear don't fully conform to guidelines as they don't pinch around the nose. However they work for when I'm doing in person therapy and all that. Telemedicine has been a bust so I said screw it. There are only a handful of clients who have returned to in-person sessions so I feel the risk is fairly low and each psychologist is capped on number of in-person patients anyway.

Legitimately glad I stated at my intake I wanted to go back to in-person as soon as the clinic was comfortable. It has done wonders for my mental health. I never really healed from all the trauma that happened this summer and I feel I'm finally on that path.

[iwantcookies]

14 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Thanks. I hope this will make me plan future trips more carefully. 

Sadly you can’t predict what Mother Nature has in store for anyone. 

[marypat57]

Jeeves:  I have been remiss in wearing my hearing aids, also.  I can manage without them, but I do notice the difference with them.   I particularly notice the difference when I'm listening to the radio in my car.  The audio volume numbers are at least 10 less when I wear the aids.  I'm due for a new set next winter and am thinking about the bluetooth ones.  My brother has the Costco ones, and swears by them.  I have the same problem with the aids falling out.  I lost one at Christmas time, and had to get it replaced.  I'm thinking of getting some wig tape (it"s double sided) and tape the aid behind my ear.....I'll let you know how it goes.

BTW, my friend's birthday party was lovely.  It was a backyard party with a group of people I am very comfortable with.  One of my gifts to him was a listing of things that happened on the day he was born.  Since I have a digital subscription to the NY Times, I have access to all of their issues from the 1850s to present.  I've done this for other people, and it's also interesting to look at what happened on other important dates.

 

 

[CalicoKitty]

5 hours ago, lookeyloo said:

I will put in another plug for Costco hearing tests (free for members) and hearing aids. I paid $1799 for both of them. They have Bluetooth!!  It was explained to me that If you wait too long to correct your hearing, your brain forgets how to process sound. I got mine in January but went last month to have the filters changed. I could do this myself but don’t. I made an appointment  and they were masked and face shielded. Again - highly recommend. 

Consumer Reports rated Costco the highest for hearing aids this past year.

[Mindthinkr]

I wish I had known about the Costco option before my neighbor got his hearing aids. He was so stubborn and against getting them that he has never liked them. He states the sounds get tinny even though he has the option to adjust treble, bass etc on his phone. He is back at their place every month for tune ups. All to the tune of over 6k.

On another note, his initial chemo hasn’t worked out. So it’s a new infusion mix beginning later this month. More side effects. I’ll be taking him to the treatments. His biggest fear is losing his independence. We do take turns calling each other in the morning...well you understand. I know him well enough and stand aside on most things, but you bet your bippy that I’m over there every night at 5 to make sure all his meds have been taken and that we get a hot nutritious meal. (For those of you who don’t know he’s from Italy and is a superb chef. He has only allowed me to begin cooking a few months ago as he has less energy. He’ll be 80 In March. I’m his kitchen muse, sous chef, cleaner and listener to his crappy taste in music lol. 

Happy Labor Day to Everyone 

[awaken]

On 9/6/2020 at 4:46 PM, iwantcookies said:

I LOVE wearing a mask. No more fake smiling. I am going to wear a mask forever. I do have asthma so I can use that as an excuse.

Agree!  And no more worries at work if there’s something in my teeth while talking  with a patient!  I often have 2 seconds all day to shove food in my mouth and would worry it’s stuck there bc I’m in a rush!  

10 hours ago, lookeyloo said:

We have a friend who is an audiology doctor who works for the VA and he says the VA and Costco are the leading providers  of hearing aids. He came with me to my appointments (he also did this for his father) and was very impressed. They use the same software - logos different haha. It makes such a difference. If you can swing it the Bluetooth are great. Don’t need EarPods!!  

An audiology doctor, is that similar to a pediatrician doctor or a neurologist doctor?  Or algebra math?  Just kidding!  😁

[lookeyloo]

39 minutes ago, awaken said:

Agree!  And no more worries at work if there’s something in my teeth while talking  with a patient!  I often have 2 seconds all day to shove food in my mouth and would worry it’s stuck there bc I’m in a rush!  

An audiology doctor, is that similar to a pediatrician doctor or a neurologist doctor?  Or algebra math?  Just kidding!  😁

OMG it’s catching!!!  Too much of Jill. She is taking over my grammar. He is an audiologist. He probably did have to take algebra math along the way!!!!! Too funny. 

[louannems]

On 9/6/2020 at 5:52 PM, Love2dance said:

@rue721, I am so happy for you that you have this special relationship. Enjoy!

I think Thanksgiving is weighing heavy for many of us. We have not been indoors at all with my family who live close by, and have only seen them for short periods of time distanced and with masks on outside. We haven’t been with the family who live up north since last year. We usually all gather together at our house and my daughter’s for the holiday week, but I can’t imagine us all being indoors together, let alone entertaining the northern gang overnight. It lays very heavy on my heart. I miss hugging our kids and grandkids so much.
And now even an inoculation that I have been wishing for so hard has become politicized. Sigh.

We have a few close family nearby and until recently, we did not meet with them.  I'm in Washington state and things opened up a bit in June.  So then my daughter resumed her once a week visit and dinner with us.  But differently!  No hugging and I seat her at opposite ends of the table from her dad, since he is nearly 70, diabetic and overweight.

Then shortly before the Fourth of July, my FIL was hospitalized with heart failure.  He died on the 5th of July.  I hosted a small celebration of life at our home; just five people, not counting our household, per our state's phase two guidance.

I thought people would wear masks unless eating but no one did. So neither did we.  Even my husband's brother, an anesthesiologist working with Covid-19 patients!

I held my breath for two weeks after, and we are all fine.

We have eaten at a Thai restaurant twice, but mostly get takeout, and not very often.  We have recently started taking drives again, to neighboring towns, visiting parks and eating in outdoor food courts.

We are also retired, and other than missing line dancing classes at the local senior center (which I loved), and missing all of the free concerts in the park that my city always has, which have all been cancelled, I'm fine at home!

On 9/6/2020 at 5:52 PM, Love2dance said:

@rue721, I am so happy for you that you have this special relationship. Enjoy!

I think Thanksgiving is weighing heavy for many of us. We have not been indoors at all with my family who live close by, and have only seen them for short periods of time distanced and with masks on outside. We haven’t been with the family who live up north since last year. We usually all gather together at our house and my daughter’s for the holiday week, but I can’t imagine us all being indoors together, let alone entertaining the northern gang overnight. It lays very heavy on my heart. I miss hugging our kids and grandkids so much.
And now even an inoculation that I have been wishing for so hard has become politicized. Sigh.

 

[Happyfatchick]

On 9/6/2020 at 8:53 PM, crazy8s said:

 my voice is also very weak and sometimes non existent, so I have trouble with people hearing me

I don’t have health issues that make my voice weak, but I know if you’ve ever imagined meeting me, you were prepared for me to be loud and obnoxious.  You would have been 50% - I’m not loud.  When I was a child, my older brothers told me every single day to SHUT UP!!! GUH!!  You talk SO LOUD!!!  And I think (seriously, I believe this) I trained myself to speak softly because I was afraid I was making a fool of myself.  NO ONE can hear me through a mask.  I repeat everything I say 100 times, usually take a step back, pull my mask down and shout.  

On 9/6/2020 at 4:46 PM, iwantcookies said:

I LOVE wearing a mask. No more fake smiling. I am going to wear a mask forever. I do have asthma so I can use that as an excuse.

Oh cookies, I laughed OUT LOUD at this.  In my head, I’ve always envisioned you as an introvert who comes here to have a voice.  So when you said right up front on your marquis, I LOVE WEARING A MASK, you pretty much validated my psychic abilities.  

Also:  that person you were fake smiling at was MEEEEEEE (snoopy dance!). I smile at EVERYBODY.  I say “how you doin?”  And here, lemme help you with that, and hey YOU (tall person) come reach that for me.  I am that horrifying person who talks in elevators.  I tease strangers.  I compliment strangers.  I’ve danced with strangers to canned music in stores.  I told a 20 something guy in the DQ window last week that he was quite handsome, but that unless he’s had a trauma recently, he should SMILE.  (And he beamed so I licked him!  JK).

 I ALWAYS tell servers when they need to be more friendly (this is the south, pleasant service should be so normal it’s almost nauseating).   Cookies, if I EVER saw you in public, I would make you smile!

true story:  when my baby son turned 15, we were in WM after school.  I mentioned something about his birthday when I was in line to pay.  Cashier says to him “it’s your birthday?”  I said “it IZZZZZZZ!!!!  We should SING, right????”  So we started singing happy birthday, and the people in the next line joined, and the next line, and people walking by, and by the clapping part at the end, the whole front of the store including the 90 YO greeter was belting out HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUU with absolutely no idea who’s birthday it was.  It was fabulous!!!   

Alas, I HATE, loathe and despise wearing a mask.  It is such a lethal punishment for me, I have put off errands for DAYS just because of it.  I have the irrational feeling I’m soffocating.  Plus I never even realized how important it was for me (personally) to read other peoples faces, or that I depend on it so much.  I swear I feel as though I lost 80% of my ability to communicate.  I “talk” with my face.  Very expressive, my face.  I feel blocked from humanity.  

plus, I swear I own 20 of those damn things and CANNOT keep up with them for love nor money.  I really do own 20 and right now, this very minute, can lay my hands on exactly 2 of them, and one of them needs to be washed.  (I put it on the dog as a joke the other day.  She was not amused).  

although until I typed all that out, I don’t think I realized why I hated it so much.  Turns out, this has been very therapeutic!  Thanks!

 

Just now, Happyfatchick said:

I don’t have health issues that make my voice weak, but I know if you’ve ever imagined meeting me, you were prepared for me to be loud and obnoxious.  You would have been 50% - I’m not loud.  When I was a child, my older brothers told me every single day to SHUT UP!!! GUH!!  You talk SO LOUD!!!  And I think (seriously, I believe this) I trained myself to speak softly because I was afraid I was making a fool of myself.  NO ONE can hear me through a mask.  I repeat everything I say 100 times, usually take a step back, pull my mask down and shout.  

Oh cookies, I laughed OUT LOUD at this.  In my head, I’ve always envisioned you as an introvert who comes here to have a voice.  So when you said right up front on your marquis, I LOVE WEARING A MASK, you pretty much validated my psychic abilities.  

Also:  that person you were fake smiling at was MEEEEEEE (snoopy dance!). I smile at EVERYBODY.  I say “how you doin?”  And here, lemme help you with that, and hey YOU (tall person) come reach that for me.  I am that horrifying person who talks in elevators.  I tease strangers.  I compliment strangers.  I’ve danced with strangers to canned music in stores.  I told a 20 something guy in the DQ window last week that he was quite handsome, but that unless he’s had a trauma recently, he should SMILE.  (And he beamed so I licked him!  JK).

 I ALWAYS tell servers when they need to be more friendly (this is the south, pleasant service should be so normal it’s almost nauseating).   Cookies, if I EVER saw you in public, I would make you smile!

true story:  when my baby son turned 15, we were in WM after school.  I mentioned something about his birthday when I was in line to pay.  Cashier says to him “it’s your birthday?”  I said “it IZZZZZZZ!!!!  We should SING, right????”  So we started singing happy birthday, and the people in the next line joined, and the next line, and people walking by, and by the clapping part at the end, the whole front of the store including the 90 YO greeter was belting out HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUU with absolutely no idea who’s birthday it was.  It was fabulous!!!   

Alas, I HATE, loathe and despise wearing a mask.  It is such a lethal punishment for me, I have put off errands for DAYS just because of it.  I have the irrational feeling I’m soffocating.  Plus I never even realized how important it was for me (personally) to read other peoples faces, or that I depend on it so much.  I swear I feel as though I lost 80% of my ability to communicate.  I “talk” with my face.  Very expressive, my face.  I feel blocked from humanity.  

plus, I swear I own 20 of those damn things and CANNOT keep up with them for love nor money.  I really do own 20 and right now, this very minute, can lay my hands on exactly 2 of them, and one of them needs to be washed.  (I put it on the dog as a joke the other day.  She was not amused).  

although until I typed all that out, I don’t think I realized why I hated it so much.  Turns out, this has been very therapeutic!  Thanks!

 

I don’t know why my dog is upside down.  She seems to be stuck that way 

[iwantcookies]

13 minutes ago, Happyfatchick said:

I don’t have health issues that make my voice weak, but I know if you’ve ever imagined meeting me, you were prepared for me to be loud and obnoxious.  You would have been 50% - I’m not loud.  When I was a child, my older brothers told me every single day to SHUT UP!!! GUH!!  You talk SO LOUD!!!  And I think (seriously, I believe this) I trained myself to speak softly because I was afraid I was making a fool of myself.  NO ONE can hear me through a mask.  I repeat everything I say 100 times, usually take a step back, pull my mask down and shout.  

Oh cookies, I laughed OUT LOUD at this.  In my head, I’ve always envisioned you as an introvert who comes here to have a voice.  So when you said right up front on your marquis, I LOVE WEARING A MASK, you pretty much validated my psychic abilities.  

Also:  that person you were fake smiling at was MEEEEEEE (snoopy dance!). I smile at EVERYBODY.  I say “how you doin?”  And here, lemme help you with that, and hey YOU (tall person) come reach that for me.  I am that horrifying person who talks in elevators.  I tease strangers.  I compliment strangers.  I’ve danced with strangers to canned music in stores.  I told a 20 something guy in the DQ window last week that he was quite handsome, but that unless he’s had a trauma recently, he should SMILE.  (And he beamed so I licked him!  JK).

 I ALWAYS tell servers when they need to be more friendly (this is the south, pleasant service should be so normal it’s almost nauseating).   Cookies, if I EVER saw you in public, I would make you smile!

true story:  when my baby son turned 15, we were in WM after school.  I mentioned something about his birthday when I was in line to pay.  Cashier says to him “it’s your birthday?”  I said “it IZZZZZZZ!!!!  We should SING, right????”  So we started singing happy birthday, and the people in the next line joined, and the next line, and people walking by, and by the clapping part at the end, the whole front of the store including the 90 YO greeter was belting out HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUU with absolutely no idea who’s birthday it was.  It was fabulous!!!   

Alas, I HATE, loathe and despise wearing a mask.  It is such a lethal punishment for me, I have put off errands for DAYS just because of it.  I have the irrational feeling I’m soffocating.  Plus I never even realized how important it was for me (personally) to read other peoples faces, or that I depend on it so much.  I swear I feel as though I lost 80% of my ability to communicate.  I “talk” with my face.  Very expressive, my face.  I feel blocked from humanity.  

plus, I swear I own 20 of those damn things and CANNOT keep up with them for love nor money.  I really do own 20 and right now, this very minute, can lay my hands on exactly 2 of them, and one of them needs to be washed.  (I put it on the dog as a joke the other day.  She was not amused).  

although until I typed all that out, I don’t think I realized why I hated it so much.  Turns out, this has been very therapeutic!  Thanks!

 

I don’t know why my dog is upside down.  She seems to be stuck that way 

I AM an introvert and SEVERELY shy. Boy I do love your posts and your beautiful soul/personality shines through so much! 

[Love2dance]

I NEEDED a @Happyfatchick post today. Thank you! I can just picture your 15 year old son melting into the floor as the whole store sang happy birthday to him. 😂

I’m such a smiler too. Since Covid I have had just a few occasions to have my picture taken, and I find myself smiling like a fool at the camera with my mask on. Then I laugh at myself.

[iwantcookies]

I’m sure your eyes are smiling or smize like Tyra Banks says. @Love2dance

[Minivanessa]

Hi friends! It's almost time to fire up the company laptop in my home office and get to work. I'd rather watch online travel videos, and travel-van buildout videos . . . and generally goof off, and catch upon this forum. I mentioned that we've had hot weather embellished by actual smoke and ash in the air from a biiiggg wildfire burning not too far north of here. 

So - and I knew this was coming - allow me to report that yesterday's high was 93F. And right now at 7 AM it's 35F, with rain and snow falling, and more of the storm blowing in very fiercely from the West. Yay, Colorado weather. I'm glad that my commute to work this morning doesn't require driving. I hope and pray the storm extinguishes our state's wildfires, but the news is saying it will take more than one storm to put out the big one(s) going on. Sigh. We'll be back into normal temps in a day or two. No need to store the flipflops away yet.

I'm planning more weekend minivan projects. I've discovered that my nice Coleman camping cot just isn't working in the back of my van. The minivan floor is crazy uneven, not just front to back but side to side in the area where the middle U-shaped leg of the cot hits. The first night the torquing was worse because I'd left a storage box underneath that was hitting me as I lay on the cot, but I've now learned that the cot was leaning to one side a bit on its own. I've ordered a "narrow twin" (almost same size as the cot) folding metal bed frame, after I watched a YT video showing how to level it for use in a minvan. You cut pieces of PVC pipe for the legs that need lifting to level the bed, place each of those legs inside its piece of PVC, and shazam, you've got a level bed with minimal muss and fuss. Can't do that with the U-shaped legs of the cot.  (Thank you, Bob Wells of CheapRVLiving.)

Cot: 

Bed frame:

The bed frame is foldable so it's not a permanent installation. I also ordered a folding mattress that will fit it. I'm looking forward to my weekend project. Lord knows when I'll be able to really hit the road, which is frustrating. I was looking forward to buying an annual camping pass for New Mexico state parks, but at this time NM has closed its state parks to nonresidents. I respect that and don't disagree with it. But of course it's disappointing. I keep telling myself the pandemic will be with us for more months but not forever. In the meantime my little projects to outfit my minivan for camping aren't crazy expensive, and it's a way to stay occupied and perhaps nurture hope for the future.

Edited September 8, 2020 by Jeeves

[Scarlett45]

Hello friends, still on vacation- I had one "task" today, related to administrative things for my sister and it put me in a mood because I swear people are not bright, but I do have 500 copies of the guardianship paperwork, now I just have to get it to them. I had a relaxing breakfast and watched some YouTube videos. Its rainy and chilly here in chicago land.

[lookeyloo]

My son is in the hospital. We can’t be with him or visit. I’m pacing. 

[Scarlett45]

1 minute ago, lookeyloo said:

My son is in the hospital. We can’t be with him or visit. I’m pacing. 

Oh no I’m sorry. Is he conscious? Can you talk to him?

[lookeyloo]

17 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Oh no I’m sorry. Is he conscious? Can you talk to him?

He's sleeping and waiting for tests.  We have texted a bit but he really isn't up for much.  I'd much rather be sitting there watching him sleep and hoping for good news.

[MargeGunderson]

@lookeyloo, hoping for good news for you, your son and your family. @Jeeves, you are really getting your set up figured out it sounds like you will be ready to ramble once the weather cooperates. @Scarlett45, happy vacation! I hope the remainder is relaxing and you can pamper yourself a little (or a lot!). 

[iwantcookies]

@lookeyloo I will keep your family on my mind and prayers 

[andromeda331]

I'm so sorry. I hope everything is okay @lookeyloo. Praying for you and your son.

[Mindthinkr]

@lookeyloo So sorry to hear about your son. I will pray for him 🙏🏻

[lookeyloo]

59 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

@lookeyloo So sorry to hear about your son. I will pray for him 🙏🏻

Thank you. Greatly appreciate 

 

[Lisa418722]

Saying prayers for your son @lookeyloo.   

[SunnyBeBe]

Lookeyloo, sending your son many well wishes and prayers for family. 
 

I’ve been super cautious about things, even getting my hair done. I think I’ll continue with that, especially being high risk. Jillian Michaels contracted it from her hair/makeup person that she was around unmasked for 1 hour. She’s ok, though.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/08/jillian-michaels-reveals-she-had-covid-warns-of-dangers-of-gym-attendance/

[rue721]

My thoughts are with you, @lookeyloo

[emmawoodhouse]

Keeping you in my thoughts, @lookeyloo. ❤️

[CalicoKitty]

I took the toothless cat to the vet this morning for her two-week post op check.  Vet said she has healed very well.  Lily's whole personality has changed in the past two weeks.  She is coming out of hiding more, playing with the other cat more, and eating well.  She has started snuggling in bed and seems much happier in general.  It saddens me to think that this is the first time in her 5 years of life that she is pain-free.  It feels funny when she tries to nip, and instead of teeth, all you feel is gums.  In the past she would gently nip because her teeth hurt, and I think it is  a habit that she will get over soon.  I'm glad I made the decision to do the procedure, and I'm so glad she is feeling "normal".  Now to address the other cat's heart murmur.......

[jjane]

So sorry about your son, @lookeyloo. I know how hard it must be to be away from him at this time. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Virtual hugs and much love. Janet

[Love2dance]

@lookeyloo, you and your son are in my thoughts. I am so sorry that they will not let you near him. That makes it so much harder. Hugs.

 

[Happyfatchick]

@lookeyloo what’s the word?  Are you able to tell us why he was taken to hosp?  Have you been able to speak with him?  
I wrote this yesterday and for some reason, it poofed into oblivion and is nowhere that I see.  
it must be excruciating for you to not be able to be there and take care of his needs.  It’s exhausting to watch someone you love so much be sick - but it’s got to be magnified tenfold the way you’re having to deal.  You must be ready to scream.  Do it!!!  I won’t tell.     ❤️❤️❤️

[GeeGolly]

Oh @lookeyloo, sending thoughts of healing and lightness to you all. 

[MargeGunderson]

@CalicoKitty I’m glad that Lily is feeling better. My late Lily had a heart murmur and lived to 19 1/2 (in the end, it was her kidneys). The vet would remark on it every time we brought Lily in, but it never caused any problems. I hope that your Lily has the same experience and good long life! 

[ginger90]

@lookeyloo you and your family are in my thoughts. Good vibes going your way.

[Minivanessa]

@lookeyloo, I dropped in to see if there's any word from you. You and your family are in my thoughts. 

[doodlebug]

@lookeyloo, I said a rosary this morning for you and your family.  Mary knows what it is like to see a son suffer and not be able to do anything about it.  Keep strong and take care of yourself.

[Mindthinkr]

5 hours ago, doodlebug said:

@lookeyloo, I said a rosary this morning for you and your family.  Mary knows what it is like to see a son suffer and not be able to do anything about it.  Keep strong and take care of yourself.

Amen 🙏🏻

[lookeyloo]

Thanks to everyone for your prayers, good wishes, hugs, etc.  Really means a lot.  He had a procedure and there was a side effect to be dealt with.  We have the same oncologist (how crazy that there is a "family oncologist") and I go every six months.  He would discharge me, but, he is so wonderful as to have taken on my thyroid meds because I was having trouble getting what I need.  Odd because we are in the metro area of a Big City and when we moved here I went to several different doctors, including my own primary care and they all poo-poo'd the meds I have been on for over 20 years (adjusted here and there based on blood work)  that I had been prescribed by doctors (not all, had same issue) in Baton Rouge.  One visit a few years ago he said "so tell me how you are?" like he meant it and I sort of lost it over the thyroid thing and he said "let me take that worry off the table for you.  I'll manage it.  And those drugs won't kill you and I will prescribe them". Anyway, my son allows him to talk to me so today he was very reassuring as far as this hospitalization.  Of course we know there is no cure or remission mentioned.  Manage is the word.  And hope it can be managed for as long as possible.  Which could be a month or years or anything in between.  I try to take care of myself only because it helps me take care of him.  What I'd like to do is go to a deserted island with wifi and running water and stay there by myself and not talk to anyone and pretend the world is sane and he is healthy.  So I try to do that inside my own head.  It takes an enormous amount of energy to go over to his place and be upbeat, not cry, etc.  We have cried enough together.  It doesn't help.  At least the hospital gives great care and he knows some of the nurses by now.  And today he feels better enough to have called me and texted a few times.

More thank yous to my kind and supportive fellow snarkers😍

[Oldernowiser]

Aw, Lookey. I’m so terribly sorry. There really aren’t any words at a time like this...know that I send you hugs and every good thought.

 

[rue721]

@lookeyloo Thank god you can help your son on this journey. It is a horrible journey to walk on regardless, but I am sure that he appreciates having you by his side through it. My heart breaks for you and your son.

Edited September 9, 2020 by rue721

[iwantcookies]

David Harbour got married. I’m SERIOUSLY SEVERELY sad at who he married. His fan club is going crazy.

[Happyfatchick]

1 hour ago, lookeyloo said:

 I try to take care of myself only because it helps me take care of him.  What I'd like to do is go to a deserted island with wifi and running water and stay there by myself and not talk to anyone and pretend the world is sane and he is healthy.  
And today he feels better enough to have called me and texted a few times.. 😍

Taking care of yourself... that’s the tail end of any mother’s list, isn’t it?  But if you don’t, you can’t:. That’s a fact.  And truthfully, knowing he’s in hospital and that he knows some caregivers, and that he’s being tended to should “technically” give you a chance to rest. It won’t - but it should.  I wish I could bottle up some strength and send it to you.  I know you are worn out.  And him.  And the partner.  Our sons are about the same age and I can’t say “I know how you feel” because I’ve never been in your shoes.  I can say I know your heart bleeds.  

it makes my heart sooooo happy that he’s been able to call and text you today.  

1 hour ago, Oldernowiser said:

 

Best hug meme evvvvver

[iwantcookies]

@lookeyloo your son is fortunate to have such a loving/devoted mom. 

[Olliesmom]

@lookeyloo, I’m so sorry you and your family are going through this. I am keeping you all in my prayers. Sending hugs and strength your way.  

[andromeda331]

@lookeyloo I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this. You are an incredible mom. Praying for you all.

[Oldernowiser]

Pretty sure I got that gif from Chigirl? And I love it, too...

[jcbrown]

@lookeyloo you and your family are in my thoughts. You are lucky to have each other and I'm so sorry you are going through this.

[emma675]

lookeyloo, I hope you're finding some comfort in your son's calls and texts today. My mom is going to start up chemo again soon, although it will only be one treatment a month for 6 months instead of the previous weekly treatments for almost a year. During her most recent scan they found a small spot and they want to be aggressive about treating it since her type of cancer has a history of coming back repeatedly. It was a real kick in the gut after a year of clear scans, but not totally unexpected. 

Not to be tacky, but cancer can fuck right off. 

[realityfan26]

@lookeyloo If you need company on your deserted island, I'm available. (I know that defeats the purpose of deserted). I promise to only speak when spoken to and will make as many island cocktails as you want. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. 

[marypat57]

Lookeyloo:  as many of our friends here , I am including your family in my prayers.  Our own Dr Doodlebug is right that Mary knows what it is like to see a son suffer.  I will include your family in my rosary.

May I ask for prayers and good thoughts for my dearest friend, ML?  We’ve known each other since 9th grade algebra math.  ML was recently diagnosed with Stage 2b breast cancer.  I convinced her to get a second opinion at a regional office of one of the country’s leading cancer centers.  She followed my advice, and will be receiving her treatment there.  Her first chemo treatment is Friday. She’ll have chemo before having the lump removed

Tonight several of our mutual friends took her out for some pre-chemo ice cream and tomorrow night we will go over her house tomorrow evening for some additional ice cream.  It does have some magical healing properties.